The Fun Part

Both Dan and I still enjoy the hobby of miniatures – what I call the “fun part”. We have less time now for it than before we started our business, but we are both still active miniature hobbyists. The photos shown on this page are a few of the pieces that we have created that are part of our collection. We hope you enjoy seeing them as much as we enjoyed making them.

Dan & Michele

Hanalei Hale (Hale means “house” in Hawaiian)
My husband Dan and I built this authentic c.1770 Hawaiian hut after visiting the island of Kauai.  We researched all of the weapons, tools and furnishings for the hut to assure their accuracy.  An article, written by me, featuring the hut was published in the March, 2007 issue of Dollhouse Miniatures.

Click here to read full text of the article

18th Century corner chair – taught by Carol Hardy, Castine, Maine, June, 2007

Japanese Tea Chest – taught by Mark Murphy, Castine, Maine, June, 2006

18th Century Sofa – taught by Nancy Summers, Castine Maine, June, 2005

Guild School Pieces
Each June since 2004, I have attended Guild School in Castine, Maine.  I love learning new skills from the best miniaturists in the world.   Taking furniture classes was a little intimidating, but Mark Murphy, Carol Hardy, and Nancy Summers were very patient teachers, and I soon got used to working with miniature power tools.  Then I took a roombox class with Peter Kendall and REALLY learned how to do raised panels!  I encourage everyone who likes to make miniatures to try the Guild School.  It is in one of the most gorgeous spots in the country, and is a fabulous learning opportunity – not to mention a whole lot of fun!

Peyton Randolph house parlor vignette, – taught by Peter Kendall, Castine, Maine, June, 2008

The Tudor Rose
This roombox workshop was taught by The Guys from Texas in October of 2004 in San Jose.  I did extensive research to try to make the furnishings as authentic to the period as possible.  The painting, “Portrait of a Lady” (1450, Rogier Van der Weyden) was painted by my husband, Dan Worsham.  Both floral arrangements are by me.  Furniture pieces are by British miniaturists, Brian Long and Michael Mortimer.

The Throne Room
This Tudor Outhouse (dubbed the “Tudor Loo” by the people who took the workshop) was a class project with Rik Pierce in October of 2003. I hung a small sign next to the door that says "The Throne Room" - a word play on the legendary Thorne Rooms. The inside is decorated with a basket of dry leaves (remember there was no toilet paper then!) and a shelf that holds the King's crown and a small working wooden Tudor candlestick that lights up the interior. I made all of the flowers in the landscape.

"The Good Ship Trundle”

My husband, IGMA Artisan, Dan Worsham, created "The Good Ship Trundle" from an old wooden shoe he acquired in Holland in the 1970s. It is meant to represent the wooden shoe that Wynken, Blynken, and Nod sailed in the classic children's poem of the same name.  Dan made all of the fittings from found objects, or he fabricated them from scratch. This piece appeared in Miniature Collector magazine in the May, 2004 issue.

"New York City Penthouse" - Dec. 2001

In December of 2001, I took a class with Brooke Tucker - "Skills My Teacher Taught Me".  This picture shows how I decorated my finished roombox. The man who lives here is a bachelor who has traveled extensively in Asia and Africa, and has brought back many artifacts from his trips, which adorn his living room.  I made all of the furniture (except the black and white love seat) from kits.  I also made all of the non-working lamps, plants, and accessories.  Although you can't see it in this picture, the view out of  the window is of New York at night, and the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center.  This roombox was exhibited at the Good Sam Showcase of Miniatures in October, 2002.